It’s a warm summer evening and the tantalizing aroma of sizzling steaks and perfectly charred vegetables fills the air. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses accompanies the sizzle as you effortlessly master the art of outdoor cooking. What’s your secret? A dedicated gas line to your grill.

Hassle-free grilling is the life! No more wrestling with propane tanks, fumbling with matches and waiting for charcoal to heat up. But that’s not all you’ll love about it — and in this blog, we’ll explain all the advantages of having an outdoor gas line and how to get one safely installed in your backyard.

The Convenience of a Gas Line for Grilling

Ever experienced that frustrating moment when your propane tank runs out mid-barbecue? The grill is fired up, the first round of burgers is on, and suddenly you have to run to the store to swap tanks. That’s where a dedicated gas line for your grill changes the game.

Opting for a gas line installation takes the inconvenience of propane tanks out of the picture. No more wrangling with hefty tanks, frequent refills, or the looming dread of running out in the middle of your famous 4th of July cookout. Here’s a snapshot of the convenience you can expect from an outdoor gas line:

Constant Fuel Supply

With a gas line connected directly to your grill, you get an uninterrupted and reliable fuel supply from your home’s natural gas or propane source. You can tap into your already existing gas line or have a new one installed, whatever fits your situation and budget best. This constant fuel supply is one of the major perks that make a dedicated gas line for grilling an attractive option for backyard chefs.

Quick Start-Up

Say goodbye to the slow start-up times of charcoal grills. The convenience of a gas line means you get an instant flame at the turn of a knob. Your grill is ready when you are, slashing your prep time and getting you straight to the grilling action.

Perfect Temperature Control

The finest chefs know that temperature control is crucial to achieving culinary perfection. With the gas knobs on your grill, you can adjust the heat levels to suit your recipe. Whether you’re slow-cooking a slab of ribs or quickly searing a steak, your gas grill puts the power of precise cooking right at your fingertips.

Each of these advantages makes outdoor grilling easier and more enjoyable. Plus, there’s the environmental benefit of using natural gas or propane — both are clean-burning sources that release fewer pollutants into the air than charcoal.

The Cost-Effectiveness of a Gas Line

A gas line installation for your grill isn’t just about the convenience or enhancing your cooking experience — it’s also about the smart savings you stand to gain. Let’s grill down (pun intended) into how this setup is a win for your wallet…

Farewell, Propane Tank Refills

Swapping propane tanks may seem like an inconsequential task, but the costs can quickly add up. Here in Tennessee, the average propane price is around $3.23 per gallon. Your typical 20-pound propane tank holds 4.6 gallons and will last up to 20 hours of grilling time, depending on your heat settings and the size of your grill. A big grill can cut that time in half. So let’s split the difference and say you get 15 hours of grilling per tank.

If we consider the summer grilling season to last about 4 months (June to September), and let’s assume you grill every weekend for 4 hours each time (a total of 16 hours each month), then you’d use a little over one tank per month (since one tank provides approximately 15 hours of grilling).

So over 4 months, you’d need about 5 tanks (4 full months and a little extra for that additional hour each month). The total cost for refilling propane tanks throughout one summer would be $74.30. That’s a decent chunk of change to be spending on refills every summer…

Fuel Efficiency and Lower Costs

Gas grills are known for their efficient fuel consumption, especially when compared to their charcoal counterparts. This fuel efficiency means you get more grilling hours from a single tank of gas. The price per gallon is usually lower for natural gas or propane, so you get more bang for your buck when grilling with a gas line connection.

The savings don’t stop there. Natural gas and propane are both cost-effective compared to other fuel sources like electricity. This means you won’t pay a premium to fuel your outdoor grilling experience — even if you’re cranking up the heat.

To minimize fuel consumption when using a grill, it’s best to wait until the gas or charcoal is ready before cooking and then turn off the grill as soon as you’re finished. Generally, gas grills take only 5 or 10 minutes to heat up, while charcoal takes about 15 minutes. Plus, most gas lines come with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the gas when not in use, so you don’t end up wasting money on running costs (unlike charcoal where you have no control over burn time).

No More Hidden Expenses

Forget about the hassle and hidden costs of transporting propane tanks. Lugging those tanks to and from the store may not seem like a big deal, but the time and effort add up. There’s also the potential for injury if you’re carrying a full tank of gas. With a gas line installation, you can skip all that hassle and just jump right into grilling! Your back and your bank account will thank you.

Long-Term Savings

Assuming your home already has a main gas line, tapping into it and running a gas line to your grill isn’t expensive, and you can usually have it done in a single day.

If you need to have a gas line installation from the street, you’ll need to invest in trenching and other services that can quickly add up. However, if the gas will be used to power other appliances in the future, it might be worth the investment anyway.

Your water heater, air conditioner, stove, and other appliances can all be powered by the same gas line, making it a much more efficient use of your resources. And compared to rising electricity costs, gas is still much cheaper in the long run.

While the initial cost of a professional gas line installation might seem high, remember it’s a one-time investment.

This combination of avoiding propane refills, efficient fuel usage, and long-term savings makes the gas line for grill a financially smart move. Plus, it means more budget for those prime cuts of steak you’ve been eyeing!

Safety and Reliability of a Gas Line

When you’re grilling that perfect steak, safety might not be the first thing on your mind… But it’s an essential ingredient in the recipe for a successful cookout. Here’s what makes a gas line safe and reliable:

Reduced Fire Hazards

Traditional grilling methods aren’t without their dangers. But gas grills have several built-in safety features that make them a safe choice for your backyard barbecues.

One key advantage is its heat distribution system. A properly installed gas line ensures even and predictable heat distribution, reducing the risk of flare-ups and fires that can occur with other types of grills. This gives you the confidence to sear those steaks just right without fear of sparking an unwanted blaze.

Eliminating the Risk of Propane Tank Leaks or Explosions

Anyone who’s used a propane tank knows that it carries a risk of leaks or even explosions. But a gas line for your grill eliminates this hazard. There’s no tank to develop a leak, and the connection to your home’s gas supply is typically more secure and reliable.

Plus, all the pipes and fittings have been secured, inspected, and tested for safety by a qualified technician. In the unlikely event of a gas leak, most natural gas and propane installations come with a shut-off valve for instant interruption of the gas supply, providing an additional layer of safety.

Safety Features of Gas Grills

The best modern gas grills are equipped with built-in safety features that make them a better option for your outdoor cooking endeavors than a traditional charcoal grill. These include:

• Flame control knobs: They allow precise heat management, reducing the risk of flare-ups and food charring that can cause harmful smoke.
• Automatic shut-off valves: If your grill’s flame goes out unexpectedly, this feature automatically cuts off the gas supply, mitigating the risk of gas build-up and subsequent explosions.
• Heat distribution plates: These enhance even heating and minimize hotspots, resulting in safer and more versatile grilling options.
• Pressure Regulators: Maintaining a steady gas pressure is crucial. Too high can cause leaks, and too low can lead to inefficient grilling. Gas grills with a dedicated gas line typically include a built-in pressure regulator to keep things running smoothly.

The convenience of a gas line installation extends beyond cost and time savings — it’s also about ensuring a safe and reliable cooking experience. After all, a safe cookout is a successful cookout!

What to Expect from Professional Gas Line Installation for Your Grill

Now, hold up before you pull out the toolbox! Gas line installation isn’t a DIY job. You’re dealing with a potentially dangerous fuel source. And the slightest mistake can have catastrophic consequences.

So unless you’ve got “gas plumber” listed on your resume, trust a licensed technician to handle the installation.

Can you run your own gas line? Regulations around gas line installations are as diverse as the US itself. From Tennessee’s strict licensing rules to the varied ordinances across Texas or California, each city, county, and state follows its own playbook for gas line permitting, code compliance, and inspections.

Navigating this maze might sound confusing, but guess who’s got it covered? You got it — your licensed, bonded, and insured gas contractor!

At Lee Company, we’ve got the know-how, experience, and just the right tools to make your grill’s gas line installation a breeze. Plus, we’re pros at dealing with local regulations and securing any necessary permits or inspections. How’s that for a load off your mind?

When it comes to the dollars and cents part, here are a few things to chew on:

• Distance Matters: The further your grill is from the gas source, the more work is involved in running the gas line, and the higher your costs will be.
• Path Obstructions: Got obstacles in the gas line’s path? That could increase the cost a bit.
• Local Laws: Any permits or inspections that your area might require will come with additional costs.

Our team can assess your situation, calculate the necessary measurements for your specific setup, and ensure that all safety regulations are met.

Here’s what you can expect on the day of the gas line installation:

1. Spot the perfect tap point: Identify the closest gas pipe to your grill area, get measurements, and apply for necessary permits.
2. T-fitting installation: Shut off the gas, install a T-fitting, ensure airtight connections with Teflon tape or pipe dope, and add a shut-off valve for easy servicing.
3. Extend the gas line outdoors: Assemble the pipe run, using straight pipes and elbows as needed, and guide it through an insulating hole in the wall to the stub-out point.
4. Set up a gas valve: Install a brass shut-off valve at the stub-out to allow convenient grill detachment.
5. Inspection time: If needed, arrange a building inspection for your new gas line.
6. Leak test: Reopen the gas supply and test all the connections for leaks.
7. Connect the grill: Finally, attach an approved flexible gas hose from the gas valve to your grill. and let the grilling begin!

If you have a liquid propane grill but want to connect to your home’s natural gas, you’ve got two choices; you can either convert your grill or go all in on a shiny new natural gas grill.

Converting the grill involves swapping the gas jet to one suitable for natural gas, which has a different pressure and viscosity. If you take this route, be sure to use a manufacturer-approved kit and make the change carefully. Mistakes here could void the warranty or possibly make your grill unsafe to use.

Ready to enjoy a summer of delicious barbecues? We’ll make the process easy for you. Contact Lee Company today for professional gas line installation by a licensed, insured, and experienced plumber!